Victoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture

We collaborate with health professionals, social service agencies, immigrant settlement workers and the broader community to ensure that the needs of survivors of torture are recognized and met at all levels. Through our community partnerships, our goal is to support survivors overcome the legacy of oppression and live with dignity.

https://www.stoptorture.ca/

News
Interconnectedness Initiative year in review
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture September 18, 2025
In July 2025, VCST wrapped up another successful funding year for our Interconnectedness Initiative. This was our third year of…
Read More Interconnectedness Initiative year in review
Health | News
Recap workshop: Understanding burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture June 5, 2025
May 7, 2025 online With Presenters: Dr. Yaya de Andrade and Ana Pavon As part of VCST’s Interconnectedness Initiative, on…
Read More Recap workshop: Understanding burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma
News
Land acknowledgment
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 24, 2025
The Victoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture (VCST) is a volunteer-run non-profit organization that operates predominantly from the unceded territory…
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News
Fourth Case Conference Report
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 20, 2025
The fourth case conference of the I.I. took place on March 27, 2025, with the participation of 13 people from…
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News
Workshop: Understanding Burnout & Vicarious Trauma on May 7
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 16, 2025
May 7 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Pacific Are you a frontline worker in the settlement, counselling, and victim services…
Read More Workshop: Understanding Burnout & Vicarious Trauma on May 7
News
VCST asks the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee: What is torture?
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 14, 2025
The following post includes traumatizing words and ideas associated with torture. The “Quick Exit” button is available to quickly leave…
Read More VCST asks the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee: What is torture?
News
Distinguished community advocates and researchers Dr. Yaya de Andrade and Joan Simalchik
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture March 20, 2025
On February 27, 2025, VCST hosted distinguished community advocates and researchers Dr. Yaya de Andrade and Joan Simalchik from Toronto…
Read More Distinguished community advocates and researchers Dr. Yaya de Andrade and Joan Simalchik
News
Annual Symposium
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture March 14, 2025
At the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture‘s Annual Symposium on February 25, 2025, VCST Board President Ana Pavon and…
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News
Interconnectedness Initiative Research Report: Stakeholder Strengths & Opportunities
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture February 20, 2025
As a coalition of agencies and individuals responding to the needs of survivors of torture and their families, VCST works…
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News
Contract posting: Interconnectedness Initiative Phase III Project Manager
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture September 9, 2024
Funding agency: Victoria Foundation Project term: August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025 Position: Project Manager Contract: Temporary, part-time, arms-length…
Read More Contract posting: Interconnectedness Initiative Phase III Project Manager
News
What is torture? A workshop by Victoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture May 3, 2024
As part of our Interconnectedness Initiative, we held a training workshop on April 3rd 2024, with the participation of 14…
Read More What is torture? A workshop by Victoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture
News
Interconnectedness Initiative: Second Case Conference Report
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture March 27, 2024
During the previous year of the VCST’s Interconnectedness Initiative, “Case Conferencing” was identified by stakeholders as an essential tool to…
Read More Interconnectedness Initiative: Second Case Conference Report
News
Interconnectedness initiative: First case conference report
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture December 18, 2023
During the previous year of the VCST’s Interconnectivity Initiative, “Case Conferencing” was identified as an essential tool to address sensitive…
Read More Interconnectedness initiative: First case conference report
News
Syrian men’s experiences of integration and employment in Canada
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture November 29, 2023
This 12-minute video presents the experiences of three Syrian men, and their struggle for not having their professional degrees and…
Read More Syrian men’s experiences of integration and employment in Canada
News
Interconnectedness Initiative Project Manager – contract position
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture September 23, 2023
Download this position description as a PDF. The Project Manager plays a crucial role in enhancing services, raising awareness, and…
Read More Interconnectedness Initiative Project Manager – contract position
News
Interconnectedness Initiative key findings and next steps
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture June 27, 2023
Eight mental health and settlement agencies in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island are joining forces to support survivors of torture…
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News
The Interconnectedness Initiative: A collaborative initiative to support survivors of torture
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture June 27, 2023
We are delighted to share with you an inspiring initiative that has brought together eight mental health and settlement agencies…
Read More The Interconnectedness Initiative: A collaborative initiative to support survivors of torture
News
Announcing our phone line for community members
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 6, 2023
We’re happy to announce that we have a new phone line! The VCST pilot phone line is a resource for…
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News
After Arrival
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture March 13, 2023
This film showcases the incredible journey of three LGBTQIA+ refugee claimants who have become leaders in our community. It gives…
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News
Join us online for the premiere of the film, After Arrival, June 19
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture June 1, 2021
We would be thrilled if you joined us on June 19th for the premiere of the film, After Arrival, a…
Read More Join us online for the premiere of the film, After Arrival, June 19
News
Thank you MOSAIC and VAST
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 13, 2021
Vibrant in Vancouver: 10 days of short virtual wellness sessions for #refugee claimants and members of the wider community! Thank…
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News
VCST and more at Vibrant in Vancouver
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 13, 2021
Vibrant in Vancouver: 10 days of short virtual wellness sessions for refugee claimants and members of the wider community! Thank…
Read More VCST and more at Vibrant in Vancouver
News
Videos from Vibrant in Vancouver
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 9, 2021
Vibrant in Vancouver: 10 days of short virtual wellness sessions for refugee claimants and members of the wider community! Thank…
Read More Videos from Vibrant in Vancouver
News
After Arrival, trailer
ByVictoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture April 5, 2021
April 4 th marks Refugee Rights Day in Canada. In partnership with MOSAIC, we are excited to launch the video…
Read More After Arrival, trailer